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Lenten Thoughts – 25 March – The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Mary’s Fiat, must be our Fiat

Mary’s fiat– her faithful “Here am I,” which does not replace her perplexity at her conception of God made human but overcomes it– is an announcement in itself.  In fact, her announcement, is the most important one of today’s Gospel reading.  Let it be our announcement, too, then, for it is appropriate at all times and at any time.   And now, our brief, prayerful, announcement:  “Here [are we], the servant[s] of the Lord, let it be done to [us] according to your word.”

I delight to do thy will, O my God, thy law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

“God Himself is the one Who takes the initiative and chooses to enter, as He did with Mary, into our homes, our daily struggles, filled with anxiety and with desires.   And it is within our cities, in our schools and universities, our squares and hospitals, that the most beautiful announcement we can hear is made:  “Rejoice, the Lord is with you”.    A joy that generates life, that generates hope, that is made flesh in the way we look to the future, in the attitude with which we look at others.   A joy that becomes solidarity, hospitality, mercy towards all.”

Pope Francis – Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord, 25 March 2017

Three times daily, at 6 am, noon and 6 pm, we pray the Angelus.   It is still accompanied by the ringing of a bell (the Angelus bell) in some places such as Vatican City and parts of Germany, Belgium, France, Spain and Ireland.   The Regina Coeli prayer (which may also be sung as a hymn) replaces the Angelus during the Easter season.

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with Thee; Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, etc. V. And the Word was made Flesh. R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, etc. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. LET US PRAY Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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